What Sci Fi book/story is this

[masraum]

My wife was talking about some story that she'd read at some point that she'd like to read again. I've searched the web for it with no luck, but figured someone here would probably be able to name it.

She says the plot is that there are planets that are too far apart for space travel, but there are people in the universe that have the ability to hop vast distances into other bodies. They can only hop a certain number of times before they start to lose themselves (I assume the personality of the body that they hop into is stronger). She says that there are two people that are like spies that follow each other around. At the end, 2 of the characters get married and have a kid. The first kid didn't have any of the special powers, but a couple of generations down the line they did.

If anyone has any idea, please let me know. I'm trying to surprise her by getting it for her Nook, hopefully by Valentine's day.

Thanks

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Hm...going by memory here, but it sounds vaguely like "Mindbridge" by Joe Haldeman. Plot sounds like it would be up Haldeman's alley, too.

There's another one that comes to mind, "Mindswap", but the author's name is lost to me.

[masraum]

Thanks, the missus doesn't think that these are the one that she is thinking of.

She says that they don't transfer to other human bodies, and they can only make the jump a handful of times, like maybe 3-5 times (with the ability to do it 5 times being unusual.

[WolfeMacleod]

I will ask my friend tomorrow. he reads a LOT of Sci-Fi. I used to, but not nearly as much.
When I say a LOT, I mean a LOT. He listens to Audio Books while he works, and tons and tons of paper books, short stories, etc.

If anyone will know, he will.

[masraum]

Thanks tons!

[WolfeMacleod]

He's not sure, but he also said it sounded like Mindswap as well, although that was for tourist travelling apparently. Trying to find some info on that right now.

Robert Sheckley wrote Mindswap.

[carreraken]

Sounds a lot like an old Outer Limits episode....

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Wolf, thanks for the author ID. Now I know which box to dig through so I can read Mindswap again.

Steve, did I mention how cool it is that your wife reads sci fi? Right now my wife is probably reading something about society's dangerous impact on women's self-esteem...for fun.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

Wolf, thanks for the author ID. Now I know which box to dig through so I can read Mindswap again.

Steve, did I mention how cool it is that your wife reads sci fi? Right now my wife is probably reading something about society's dangerous impact on women's self-esteem...for fun.

Hahahha. Yeah, my wife likes Mysteries and Sci Fi. One of her favorites is Robert Heinlein.

[vash]

not to hijack..but if you want a great sci-fi..

ENDER's Game by orson scott card. damn. what a book.!!

[Bob Kontak]

Maybe?

Transition
In Iain M. Banks' novel, an organization called The Concern interferes with the development of alternate Earths in parallel dimensions by transporting their consciousness into unsuspecting victims using a drug called "Septus".

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by vash

not to hijack..but if you want a great sci-fi..

ENDER's Game by orson scott card. damn. what a book.!!

I've been thinking about getting this book lately, so your recommendation is nice to hear.

[dienstuhr]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

I've been thinking about getting this book lately, so your recommendation is nice to hear.

+1,000

Superb book. You can follow it up with "Ender's Shadow" which is nearly as good. Both are highly recommended

[vash]

Originally Posted by dienstuhr

+1,000

Superb book. You can follow it up with "Ender's Shadow" which is nearly as good. Both are highly recommended

i think "Speaker for the DEAD" is the follow up. Ender's Shadow if a fantastic read..but it is a follow up on a different character. speaker for the dead was not good. not for me.

[Jim Richards]

I just bought Ender's Game (Kindle edition) for my iPhone. I also ordered Heinlein's Past Through Tomorrow (paperback).

[vash]

we can discuss when done!!

brace yourself..it is really good.

i may read it again. (4th time maybe)

[gtc]

Ender's Game is good, but the religious overtones are a little strong.

Charles Stross' Accellerando is next on my list... I hear it has post-singular lobsters.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by vash

we can discuss when done!!

brace yourself..it is really good.

i may read it again. (4th time maybe)

Sure thing!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I read the first two Ender books but only once. Didn't do a whole lot for me, but I'm weird that way.

Sheffield, (early) Heinlein, Laumer, and Bester are on my re-re-read list, though. And Simak and a few other dead guys.

I discovered John Scalzi recently and got a real kick out of his "Old Man's War" series. Fun stuff, I hope he keeps at it.

[Eric 88 Carrera]

Science Fiction Recommendations

Heinlein is the master that all are measured against. My favorites are:

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
Starship Troopers
Double Star
Citizen of the Galaxy
Beyond This Horizon
The Puppet Masters
Stranger in a Strange Land

Frank Herbert's Dune series are great as well. The follow on books by Brian Herbert aren't quite as good, but do a good job of tying the universe together.

Anything by Larry Niven is also good. Other than Scalzi, Stephenson and Stross, I would rather reread one of the classics.